Fine grading work is done at the parking lot of the municipal boat launch at Sarnia Centennial Park. May 18. 2018 (Handout.)Fine grading work is done at the parking lot of the municipal boat launch at Sarnia Centennial Park. May 18. 2018 (Handout.)
Sarnia

New Boat Launch Closed For Parking Lot Paving

The city's new boat launch at Sarnia Bay remains closed to pave way for completion of the controversial project.

The timing of the shutdown during the first long weekend of the boating season was drawing criticism from some residents.

City Hall issued a news release Friday afternoon saying the lot was being prepared for paving to start Tuesday.

Director of Engineering Mike Berkvens says contractors were fine grading the parking lot late last week.

"We estimate the asphalt laying to take about two days and then following that we will be doing the line painting and the installation of the signs," says Berkvens.

Bridgeview Marina is providing boat launch access at no charge to users during the temporary closure.

The ramps opened last month just in time for the 42nd annual Bluewater Anglers Salmon Derby but the city did indicate at that time that another closure of up to two weeks would be required in May to finish the parking area.

The boat launch project itself cost $673,000, about 5% of the total $13.5-million Centennial Park remediation project.

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